With bounteous hand he freely gives.
And now that our “Winter in Retirement” has drawn to a close, let us hope that the lesson we have tried to inculcate, that a life of excitement, and scenes of continued gayety are not necessary for the happiness of the young, may not be unheeded by those for whose benefit it is written. Life is too precious, too priceless a gift from our Father in heaven for part of its hours to be spent in trifling amusements, part in resting after their fatigue, and part in sad reflections upon their inutility. May this little volume, through His blessing, carry an antidote for these evils, and lead our youth to try its efficacy.
Autumn drew near; and, with her magic brush
Had touched the landscape; on the mountain’s slope,
Bright tints were mingling with the evergreens
Crowning its heights; and, as the freshening breeze
Swept onward, in its joyous course it bore
The many colored leaves, the forest’s pride,
Some few were green, and to the thoughtful mind
Recalled the youthful spring, in verdure rich;